Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo Embodies the ‘Laban Lang’ Filipino Spirit

The boxing world is abuzz as Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo recently flew to Los Angeles, USA to train at the Wild Card Boxing Club. The WBC featherweight champion is set to defend his title against Mexican boxer Rey Vargas on July 9. But before leaving, Magsayo sealed a partnership with his trusted medicine for body and muscle pain, Ibuprofen + Paracetamol (Alaxan FR). 

“I am so happy and thankful to my Ibuprofen + Paracetamol (Alaxan FR) family for taking me in and making me part of their advocacy. This is an honor and a privilege and I am truly grateful,” shares the undefeated Filipino boxer.

He adds, “I have complete trust in the brand because I’ve been taking it since the beginning of my career as a boxer. Whenever there’s body and muscle pain, it’s the only medicine I turn to because I know I can count on it for quick relief which works in as fast as 15 minutes.”

The 26-year-old Magsayo joins the elite rank of Ibuprofen + Paracetamol (Alaxan FR) ambassadors, the like of Olympic Gold Medalist Hidilyn Diaz. Like Hidilyn, Magsayo embodies the “laban lang” spirit of the brand.

“’Laban Lang’ for me reminds me of the hardships and challenges I went through in reaching for my dreams as a professional boxer. Sobrang dami kong pinagdaanan kaya nagsumikap ako at nagdasal hanggang maging world champion ako,” he relates.

The Making of a World Champ

Born to a baker father and store attendant mother, Jessel Mark Araula Magsayo grew up in Tagbilaran City. His family was poor so Mark had to start pitching in the family income at the age of eight by selling ice cream on the streets.

As a young boy, Mark dreamed of becoming a policeman until he discovered boxing. In the beginning, his parents did not approve of his training, fearing for the safety of their son. But on Mark’s third amateur win, they finally relented. 

“I’ve tried many other sports but I never excel in any of them until I tried boxing. When I found out I have the talent for it, I decided that that was it. I’m going to become a boxer,” Mark recalls.

From then on, everything that Mark did was to prepare him for his ultimate goal of becoming a world champion.  He fought in the amateur league for nine years before moving up to the professional level at the age of 17. “My first professional fight happened in 2013 in Cebu. I trained hard for it because it was my debut fight and I wanted to win so bad,” he remembers.

Mark went on to win that match, and with a knockout at that! To date, Mark’s record is an impressive 24 wins, 16 knockouts, 0 losses, and 0 draws.  His match against Gary Russell Jr. back in January of this year finally put Mark’s name on the map.

Narrow Misses

Despite Mark’s impeccable boxing record, he is no stranger to a few close calls. The first time he got knocked down was by American boxer Avalos in 2016. Another was in 2021 against Julio Ceja. 

“When it happened, I’ve thought of my family and all the hardships we went through and that got me right back up. Kahit ma-knock down ako sa laban, tatayo ako hangga’t nakikita ko ang kalaban, tatayo ako para sa Pilipinas,” says Mark.

In a true ‘Laban Lang’ fashion, Mark stayed resilient and powered through.

“For me, the moment I step into the ring, I focus on one thing and one thing only, and that is to win. Whatever happens, that is the goal. Decades from now, I want people to remember that there was a sportsman named Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo who bravely fought to bring honor to the country.”

Magsayo’s career almost came to an early halt due to conflicts with his former manager/promoter. It took nearly two years before he was able to step back into the boxing ring.

“I was depressed, but my wife reminded me, ’Laban lang. Keep going and you will reach your dreams.’ So, I kept striving. I kept training. I kept praying,” Mark recalls. 

Meanwhile, Ibuprofen + Paracetamol (Alaxan FR) has been the reliable companion of Magsayo in every fight; helping relieve his body pains in as fast as 15 minutes while directly targeting the swelling which causes the pains. 

“I trust Ibuprofen + Paracetamol (Alaxan FR) because it helps me recover from body pain and get back to training fast. Ever since, for body pains and aches, that’s what I take.”

Mark finally ends, “I am very grateful to Ibuprofen + Paracetamol (Alaxan FR) not just because this is my first grand endorsement but because they have my back physically and emotionally. The brand helps me recover faster from body and muscle pain, most especially if I am suffering from swelling during rigorous training. But more than that, the brand, since the beginning, believed in me as a boxer and warrior in life. And that is one of the reasons why I do what I do. As Ibuprofen + Paracetamol (Alaxan FR) would say: “Aaray, pero di bibigay! Laban lang!”

For more information about Ibuprofen + Paracetamol  (Alaxan FR), just click: https://www.unilab.com.ph/alaxan/winning-over-body-pain/articles/diretsong-aksyon-sa-pamamaga-na-dahilan-ng-sakit-ng-katawan. 

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor. 

ASC Ref No. U110P063022AS